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Summer 2013 Guide to Chicago

Chicago in the summer is a beach town—a crazy thought to the uninitiated who only know the Windy City by its famously, bone-chillingly cold winters. But when the weather heats up, Chicagoans take off to the water to take advantage of the city's natural beauty and also show up in force for neighborhood and city-sponsored activities: Like a picture postcard, Lake Michigan fills ups with sailboats; sun worshipers baste on Oak Street Beach in itsy-bitsy bikinis while bicyclers, volleyball players, and joggers get fit by the shore. What's more, a parade of shoppers indulge their cravings for designer duds on Michigan Avenue; baseball fans commit another summer to rooting for their beloved Cubs and White Sox; foodies feast on some of the best fare the Midwest has to offer via a myriad of festivals; and music lovers revel in the treasure trove of outdoor music offerings. Convinced yet?

Summer Festivals

Taste of Chicago Food Festival

July 10-14 in Grant Park

Dubbed "the largest food festival in the world", this outdoor fest has been going strong since 1980. Close to beautiful Lake Michigan and showcasing celebrity chefs, food demos, restaurants, food trucks, music, and more. If you're visiting the city this is an even you don't want to miss.

Windy City RibFest

July 5-7 in the Uptown neighborhood

Come for the finger lickin' ribs and stay for the entertainment. The musical lineup was recently announced, with Cracker on Saturday night and The Right Now on Sunday.

35th Annual Chinatown Summer Fair

Navy Pier Fireworks

From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Navy Pier has fireworks complete with musical accompaniment every Wednesday at 9:30 pm and Saturday at 10:15 pm. Watch them from the dock, book an evening cruise, or pack up a dinnertime picnic.

Can't-Miss Summertime Happenings

Bastille Day 5K & 8K Run/Walk & Block Party

July 14th in Lincoln Park

Celebrate French Independence Day at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum with music, wine, and, of course, delectable French food.

Chicago Air & Water Show

August 17 & 18. You can see the show along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street.

This 55th annual show is said to be the largest free show of its kind in the United States. You may want to bring a blanket and chairs (and plenty of sunscreen!) to watch the show in comfort.

The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival

August 23 – September 2

It's a festival. Of shopping. It is 12 days of fashion shows, celebrity appearances, in-store events, and special offers. What more do you need to know?

Music

Grant Park Music Festival

Through August 17th in Millennium Park

This annual summer classical concert series takes place in the Jay Prtizker Pavilion designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry near Chicago's lakefront. The event is ongoing, free and features the Grant Park Orchestra & Chorus.

Annual African/Caribbean International Festival of Life

Gospel, rock, reggae, Latin, and electronica genres are all celebrated here. Also look for children's activities, food, arts, and crafts.

Lollapalooza

August 2 – 4 in Grant Park

The music extravaganza that's been going strong since 1991.The lineup this year includes The Cure, Mumford & Sons, The Killers, Nine Inch Nails, New Order, Queens of the Stone Age, The Lumineers, Thievery Corporation, and a multitude of other acts.

Where to Eat and Drink Now

At Curtis Duffy's new and highly anticipated restaurant Grace, you have a choice between two $185 nine-course menus: "Flora" or "Fauna"; Oon Chicago opens later this summer offering contemporary American with a Southeast Asian influence. The Dec Rooftop Lounge + Bar recently opened at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel; Chicago's first distillery and cocktail bar, CH Distillery, opens in the West Loop later this summer too.